Olympia Development of Michigan and Cinnaire Solutions celebrated the opening of the first phase of Henry Street Apartments on October 8, marking another milestone in the continued growth of The District Detroit. The development is already welcoming residents to a collection of seven restored historic buildings that are being transformed into a mixed-income, mixed-use community, reflecting Olympia Development’s long-term commitment to housing and historic preservation in Detroit’s Cass Park neighborhood.

The first phase includes two residential buildings, Bretton Hall (439 Henry) and The Claridge (459 Henry), as well as Ralston Commons at 447 Henry, a former bowling alley transformed into a residential amenity and community center. Residents are already living at Bretton Hall and The Claridge, bringing a largely dormant, historic city block back into active use while preserving an important part of the neighborhood’s history.

When complete next summer, Henry Street Apartments will include 170 renovated apartments across six historic residential buildings. Nearly half of the units—49%—will be offered at affordable rates for households earning between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income, bringing affordable and market-rate homes together within a single community.

“For nearly 40 years, my family has been committed to investing in Detroit for the long term, and Henry Street Apartments represents the latest chapter in that commitment," said Chris Ilitch, CEO, Ilitch Companies. "By restoring these historic buildings and creating new mixed-income housing, we are preserving an important part of this neighborhood while creating new opportunities for Detroiters. We are grateful to Cinnaire Solutions, the City of Detroit, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and the many public, community and development partners who helped make this possible.”  

Henry Street Apartments builds on Ilitch Companies’ nearly four decades of investment and development in Detroit. To date, Ilitch Companies has invested more than $2.3 billion across 22 projects in the city, with that work continuing through projects including Henry Street Apartments, Founders House, M-Block Park, and the University of Michigan Center for Innovation.

In addition to Ralston Commons, the project restores six residential buildings constructed between 1900 and 1922, preserving their historic character while adding modern features and accessible design.

“Detroit’s growth should mean more quality housing choices for people at different income levels,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Henry Street is bringing historic buildings back to life and creating homes where residents can be part of this neighborhood’s future. I’m grateful to Olympia Development, Cinnaire Solutions and the partners who are helping make that possible.”

“This milestone is the result of persistence, creative problem-solving and close coordination across an exceptional team of partners,” said Keith Bradford, president of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “Restoring these historic buildings while navigating the complexities of design, construction, and financing mixed-income housing required a sustained commitment to getting the details right. We are proud to recognize the people whose work brought this first phase to completion and to welcome residents to Henry Street.”

Ralston Commons is designed to be the heart of the community, giving Henry Street Apartments residents a place to gather and connect. The center includes lounge and gathering areas, a fitness room, dog wash, package facilities, meeting space, a kitchenette, fireplace, mail facilities and an onsite property management office. Residents also have access to green space and parking, with residents in the affordable apartments able to park in secure lots at no cost.

“Cinnaire Solutions is proud to have worked alongside Olympia Development to assemble the resources and partnerships needed to advance the affordable-housing component of Henry Street Apartments,” said Lucius Vassar, chief legal officer, Cinnaire. “This development demonstrates the value of mission-aligned investment and collaboration in expanding access to housing where affordability, quality and resident experience are treated as complementary goals.”

“A neighborhood is stronger when the people who helped build Detroit’s future have a place in it,” said Bishop Edgar L. Vann II, senior pastor of Second Ebenezer Church. “Affordable housing gives more Detroiters the opportunity to live near jobs, services and one another as the city grows. Henry Street Apartments shows how restoring buildings can also make room for people—and that is the kind of progress our communities deserve.”  

Additionally, Olympia Development has brought together local partners to offer Henry Street residents and neighbors a range of planned activities and programming at Ralston Commons:

• Cass Technical High School: The neighboring school will have a rotating exhibition of student artwork at Ralston Commons, giving young Detroit artists a place to share their work with residents and visitors.

• Fifth Third Bank: The bank will offer financial literacy classes to help residents and the broader community build practical money-management skills.

• SER Metro-Detroit: The Detroit-based education and employment organization will provide youth workforce training, connecting community members with career-development opportunities.

• Detroit Area Agency on Aging: The agency will offer health and wellness classes for residents and community members of all ages.

Henry Street Apartments is also located near educational institutions such as the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business and the forthcoming University of Michigan Center for Innovation, as well as employment centers, neighborhood services, and Detroit’s sports and entertainment destinations, giving residents access to opportunities and amenities throughout the surrounding area.

The remaining four residential buildings are under construction and scheduled to be completed in the spring and summer of 2027. Once finished, the six residential buildings and Ralston Commons will form an integrated community built around historic preservation, shared spaces and connections to the surrounding neighborhood.

Neumann/Smith Architecture is the Designer and Architect-of-Record for the Henry Street restoration. O’Brien Construction, which also led the work on the historic Eddystone residences, is the construction manager.  

The project was made possible through loans from Fifth Third Bank and Bank of America; Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority;  American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Detroit; HOME funds from the City of Detroit and State of Michigan; Michigan Community Revitalization Program funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and ARPA funding from the State of Michigan’s Labor and Economic Opportunity office.

For leasing information or to schedule a tour, visit Henry Street Apartments.

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On Sept. 25, the Detroit Tigers and Rocket joined forces with Humble Design to help create a new beginning for a Detroit family transitioning out of homelessness.

Six Tigers volunteers joined six members of Rocket’s executive team for a home makeover in Detroit’s Forest Park/McDougall-Hunt neighborhood, transforming a four-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse into a furnished and welcoming home for a local mother and her five children.

The family recently moved into the home following two previous stays in shelters. When they arrived, the home was largely unfurnished, with just two beds that the family shared.

Humble Design works with social workers to identify individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and works directly with them to understand their needs, preferences and vision for their new home. Using donated furnishings and décor from its warehouse, Humble’s team creates a personalized space designed to foster dignity, self-empowerment and long-term stability.

For the Tigers and Rocket volunteers, the Sept. 25 event was a hands-on effort from start to finish. Volunteers loaded furnishings and other items at Humble Design’s warehouse, transported them to the home, unloaded and cleaned the space and worked together to arrange furniture and decorate each room.

The transformation went beyond furniture and décor. Humble Design provided the family with everyday essentials needed to make a house a home, including kitchen supplies, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, lighting, toys and other household items.

The Tigers also provided the family with custom Tigers jerseys, fall jackets, scarves, hats, stuffed animals, foam claws, fan chains and backpacks, along with a $500 Meijer gift card to help with groceries. PAWS also joined the family for the home reveal.

In addition to the volunteer effort, the Detroit Tigers Foundation made a $4,000 donation to Humble Design. The donation will help support Humble Design’s annual operating costs for its Southfield warehouse, including staffing, movers, moving trucks and fuel.

Together, the Tigers and Rocket volunteers helped create more than a newly furnished home. They helped give a Detroit family a place designed around their needs, their personalities and the next chapter of their lives.

New name reflects Fifth Third's commitment to Detroit, Michigan and Tigers fans

The Detroit Tigers and Fifth Third Bancorp (NYSE: FITB) today announced that Comerica Park will become Fifth Third Park, reflecting Fifth Third's growing investment in Detroit, its commitment to Michigan communities and its long-standing support of the region’s economic growth.

The naming rights transition follows Fifth Third's merger with Comerica and brings together two organizations with deep roots in Detroit and a shared commitment to the city's future. Michigan is one of Fifth Third’s most important markets nationally and a cornerstone of its Midwest franchise.

"As a life-long Michigander and Tigers fan, it's a genuine privilege to see our name go up at this ballpark," said Steve Davis, Region President, Michigan, Fifth Third Bank. "Fifth Third Park will stand as a visible symbol of our long-term commitment to this city, its people and its future. Michigan is a top-tier market for Fifth Third, and Detroit sits at the center of its economic future. Whether it's supporting local businesses, investing in neighborhoods or partnering with organizations that strengthen our communities, we are committed to helping Detroit continue to thrive for generations to come."

The announcement builds on Fifth Third's growing presence in Michigan. Following its merger with Comerica, Fifth Third became the largest retail deposit holder in both Michigan and Detroit, established its Michigan regional headquarters at One Campus Martius in downtown Detroit, and maintained the Great Lakes Campus in Farmington Hills, one of the bank's largest employment centers. Together, these locations reinforce Michigan’s role as one of Fifth Third’s most important markets.

“We’re proud to welcome Fifth Third Bank to the Detroit Tigers family and to introduce a new chapter in the club’s history and tradition with the naming of Fifth Third Park,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “This ballpark is truly one of Detroit’s greatest community assets and continues to be a gathering place for generations of Tigers fans. Fifth Third shares our core values and our commitment to giving Tigers fans a first-class entertainment experience. Legacy matters to us, and it’s part of the foundation we’re building with this partnership.”

Since opening in 2000, the ballpark has anchored Detroit's sports and entertainment district, helping fuel downtown's revitalization alongside the city's other major sports and entertainment venues. Together, these venues have made the district one of the most vibrant in the country, drawing millions downtown each year for sports and events.

Investing in Michigan Communities

Through its “Building Stronger Communities” framework, the bank is mobilizing capital, services and partnerships to strengthen economic opportunity and financial well-being statewide. Notably, Fifth Third's nationally recognized Neighborhood Program traces its roots to Detroit's Gratiot & Seven Mile (G7) neighborhood, where the Bank first piloted its place-based economic development model in 2019 before expanding it across its footprint.

Key initiatives include:

• Expansion of Fifth Third’s nationally recognized Neighborhood Program, with a $20 million capital commitment in Detroit’s Gratiot/Seven Mile (G7) and Denby/Whittier neighborhoods to support economic mobility and financial inclusion

• Small business support through grants and place-based economic development programs delivered in partnership with local organizations

The Detroit Tigers and Fifth Third will work together on future community initiatives and fan programs designed to celebrate Detroit's neighborhoods, expand opportunity and strengthen connections between the ballpark and the communities it serves.

"Tigers baseball has been part of Detroit's story for generations, and for the last 25 years this ballpark has been where those memories are made — where a kid goes to a game with their family and, years later, brings their own," said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. "That's the spirit we're honored and humbled to be part of. As a bank with deep roots across Michigan, our job now is to live up to what this place means to Detroit by showing up for fans, families and communities for the long run."

Fans can expect a seamless transition as the ballpark takes on its new identity, with signage updates rolling out during the offseason and the marquee signage installed ahead of the 2027 season. Beyond the name, the emphasis will be on how Fifth Third brings the partnership to life — building on the experiences fans already know, including the VIP Gate at the Fifth Third Entry and the Park Perks program at 53.com/tigers, with more to come as the collaboration deepens. During the final homestand of the season, Fifth Third and the Tigers will celebrate fans with a series of activations, including an interactive photo experience and a fan vote to help design the future Detroit Tigers debit card. Fifth Third and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment also remain committed to meaningful community investment in Detroit, with programming focused on expanding opportunity for the next generation of Detroiters.

• DQS becomes Red Wings’ Official Workforce Partner for the 2026-27 season

• Red Wings home and road jerseys will feature DQS branding beginning September 21

• Multi-year partnership reflects the Red Wings’ commitment to supporting Michigan-grown businesses deeply invested in the community

The Detroit Red Wings today announced Metro Detroit-based DQS Solutions & Staffing (DQS) as the team’s new jersey patch partner. As part of a multi-year agreement, the DQS brand mark will be featured on Detroit’s home and away jerseys beginning September 21. DQS will also serve as the Red Wings’ Official Workforce Partner.

DQS is one of Michigan’s fastest-growing companies and has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years. Founded in 2020 as Detroit Quality Staffing LLC, the company has deployed more than 45,000 associates and provides scalable workforce and security services designed to help employers solve complex operational challenges. DQS specializes in building and managing launch-ready workforces that can flex with production schedules, seasonal demand and changing operational needs.

Operating under parent company AXVOR, DQS works alongside Comprehensive Logistics and McLaren Transport as part of an integrated supply chain platform supporting customers nationwide. Together, the companies bring workforce, inbound-to-manufacturing logistics, warehousing and transportation capabilities under one network.

“We are excited to welcome DQS as our new jersey patch partner and feature their brand on the Red Wings jerseys,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO. “DQS represents the same Michigan work ethic our organization and our fans take pride in, and we look forward to building a great partnership for years to come.”

The partnership reflects the Red Wings commitment to supporting Michigan-grown businesses that are deeply invested in the communities they call home. Metro Detroit is where DQS built its first teams, customer relationships and reputation, making its partnership with the Red Wings a natural extension of the company’s continued investment in the region.

“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings,” said Josh Morris, Founder of DQS and CEO of AXVOR. “We built this company through hard work, a focus on the people who keep Michigan’s industries running, and a commitment to our customers and the communities we serve. That same spirit has been represented by the Red Wings organization for generations. To go from a startup five years ago to standing alongside a franchise like the Red Wings means a great deal to our entire team.”

DQS’ investment in Michigan extends beyond its business operations through partnerships supporting local schools, community organizations and sports. Morris, a River Rouge alumnus, also founded Foundation for Pops, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. As part of DQS’ partnership with the Red Wings, a portion of proceeds from qualifying jersey sales at the Official Red Wings Team Store will benefit local nonprofit organizations.

DQS also supports programs at River Rouge and Jefferson schools, including scholarships, paid internships and funding for educational initiatives that help create opportunities for students. The company’s other Michigan sports partnerships include the Detroit Tigers and Michigan International Speedway, where DQS serves as title sponsor of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series DQS 250.

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The Detroit Red Wings today appointed Shawn Horcoff as the club’s interim General Manager. Horcoff, who has served as the Red Wings Assistant General Manager alongside duties as General Manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins, will manage day-to-day roster decisions, salary cap, and hockey operations personnel for the Red Wings – reporting to Red Wings Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch during this interim period.

“As our process continues to find the best possible leader for Red Wings hockey operations, I’m appreciative of Shawn for stepping up to serve in this capacity,” said Ilitch. “His knowledge of our organization and range of experience allows us to operate with a clear decision-maker in place for the season ahead, while maintaining our commitment to carry out a thorough, methodical search process on our own timeline. Shawn has my complete support, and the authority to make decisions in the best interests of our organization.

"Our search has attracted significant interest in the head of hockey operations position from respected leaders across the industry, and several of those candidates, including Shawn, remain under consideration for the permanent role. Identifying and hiring the right leader is essential to our franchise's future, and we remain committed to being deliberate and thorough in this process. We're grateful for our players, staff, and fans for their support as we work toward this pivotal hire."

Additionally, Steve Yzerman will officially transition to the role of Senior Advisor to the Governor and CEO. Yzerman will continue serving as an invaluable resource to leaders throughout the organization in this new capacity.

Prior to his promotion to Assistant General Manager in February 2022, Horcoff, 47, spent six seasons as the Red Wings' director of player development and three seasons as assistant director of player personnel. He joined the Red Wings ahead of the 2016-17 season, following a 1,008-game NHL career. As director of player development, Horcoff oversaw and evaluated Detroit's prospects playing at the junior or collegiate level or in Europe. He was also tasked with running the team's Development Camp, held immediately following the annual NHL Entry Draft.

Additional Statements from the Detroit Red Wings

On the transition from Steve Yzerman and its timing

"A thorough evaluation of our hockey operations following this past season's disappointing finish led to discussions with Steve Yzerman and a determination that a change was necessary. This decision was driven by our need for a new vision in hockey leadership while preserving organizational continuity through the offseason and stands independent of other matters. We're grateful for Steve's invaluable contributions and his transition to senior advisor."

On our search and where it now stands

"We're focused on identifying an innovative decision maker who can lead the Red Wings to Stanley Cup success. We've had substantive conversations with talented executives over the past two months, and it's been gratifying to see such strong interest in this organization and the caliber of candidates involved. This reflects our confidence in where this organization is headed. Our search continues, and we're excited about the path forward. We'll share updates when we have something meaningful to announce."

On Shawn Horcoff

"Shawn Horcoff has been instrumental to our organization, allowing us to maintain our high standards while conducting a thorough search rather than working against a deadline. His deep knowledge of our players, contracts, and organization positioned him to lead us during this period. Moving forward, he will oversee our hockey operations with full authority and our complete confidence, consistent with how we've empowered every leader in this role. He's already deeply engaged in the important work ahead as camp begins, having been part of every conversation over the past months. He continues forward with full knowledge of our direction and the decisions already in motion—and remains a candidate for the permanent role."

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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), whose mission is to amaze, inspire and unite, has announced the promotion of two senior team members to Vice President. These moves reflect IS+E's ongoing focus on growing its talent and strengthening its ability to deliver world-class sports and entertainment experiences for fans, guests, and partners across its teams, venues, and live events.

Kristen Hommes has been promoted to Vice President, Human Resources. Since joining IS+E as Director, Human Resources in February 2023, Kristen has strengthened the organization's HR function by standardizing processes and compliance practices and leading the company's first formal colleague engagement survey -- driving measurable year-over-year improvement. In her expanded role, Kristen will provide senior HR leadership across IS+E's teams, venues, and year-round operations, with continued focus on workforce planning, succession and talent development, HR modernization, and strengthening the organization's high-performance, service-oriented culture. As Vice President, she will remain a driving force behind IS+E's commitment to its people, ensuring that culture and colleague experience remain central to how the organization grows.

Allen Jabero has been promoted to Vice President, Ticket Sales. Allen brings 11 years of ticket sales and leadership experience across the MLB, NHL, and NBA and currently leads 46 colleagues across the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings New Business, Group Sales, and Inside Sales functions. Under his leadership, the organization has consistently outperformed goals across New Business and Group Sales. In his new role, Allen will lead strategy and performance across Membership Sales, Group Sales, and Inside Sales for both organizations, continuing to build a talent pipeline, refine sales systems and standards, and drive integration across the two properties to expand opportunities. Allen strives to build a culture of excellence around people, process, and execution, leading with grit and accountability while investing in the growth of those around him.

“These promotions reflect the exceptional leadership Kristen and Allen bring to IS+E,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “I look forward to Allen continuing to build a high-performing sales organization that connects more fans with our teams and venues, and to Kristen continuing to shape our culture and elevate the colleague experience. Their leadership will be key as we continue to deliver on our purpose to amaze, inspire and unite.”

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues to invest in strong leadership to deliver unmatched fan experiences, amplify brand value, and lead in an increasingly competitive sports and entertainment landscape.

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An opportunity for fans to send off an all-time Tigers great into retirement — featuring a career tribute, fan interactives, commemorative merchandise, specialty JV-themed food and beverage items

Verlander bobblehead giveaway (presented by McLaren Health) and pre-game retirement celebration to take place on Friday, Sept. 25

Tickets for the Verlander Career Celebration at Comerica Park are available now at Tigers.com/Tickets

Commemorating the final weekend of a Hall of Fame-caliber, two-decade Major League Baseball career, the Detroit Tigers are proud to host a two-day celebration of Justin Verlander at Comerica Park on Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26.

The celebration will unite the full tapestry of Verlander's life—family, friends, teammates and the devoted fans who witnessed his dominance—to honor both the extraordinary legacy he forged on the field and the enduring imprint he's left on the community beyond it.

Two Days of Fan Experiences  

Fans can relive defining moments from Verlander's career through a series of special experiences throughout Comerica Park.

• Verlander-themed attractions at the ballpark include a “Through the Years” artifact display, oversized concourse logos for photo opportunities, fan-signed retirement cards, JV-themed menu items and a testimonial booth where fans can share their favorite memories.

• A local Detroit artist will create a live commemorative piece during the celebration, with the finished artwork to be auctioned to benefit a charity of Verlander's choosing.

• Commemorative merchandise featuring a special-edition JV logo will be available for purchase throughout Comerica Park, and the JV logo will be incorporated on the field, including on base jewels, the dugout rail and a centerfield grass stencil featuring “JV.”

Friday, Sept. 25: The Player  

Friday's celebration will focus on Verlander's remarkable career, representing the Old English D, and his place among baseball’s all-time greats.

• The first 15,000 fans in attendance receive a Verlander bobblehead, presented by McLaren Health.

• Special pregame ceremony featuring guest speakers, custom field décor, gifts presented on behalf of the Tigers and a tribute video on the scoreboard.

• Fans are encouraged to join Tigers players in an “Orange Out” – coming together for a unique visual connection across Verlander’s career, as each of the four organizations he took the field for featured orange in its uniform.

• Debuting at 5:30 p.m. on Detroit SportsNet is a television special showcasing the story of Verlander’s career – told from the perspective of those who know him best.  

Saturday, Sept. 26: The Person  

Saturday will celebrate the person behind the uniform, which are the parts of JV that have truly earned his place in the hearts of fans in Detroit and across baseball.

• As part of the celebration, the Tigers will announce a charitable gift from the Detroit Tigers Foundation in Verlander's name, furthering his impact on causes he supports, including veterans and animal welfare.

• The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a long-sleeved hooded jersey, presented by Visit Central Florida – alongside an additional Verlander-themed item.  

For more information on the Justin Verlander Career Celebration at Comerica Park, fans can visit Tigers.com/JV.

Last month, Ilitch Companies colleagues came together togive back to the community through a volunteer opportunity atMichigan Humane’s Mackey Center in Detroit.  

Throughout the day, colleagues volunteered theirtime to support Michigan Humane and its mission of improving the lives ofanimals and the people who care for them. The volunteerexperience provided an opportunity for colleagues to make ameaningful impact in the community while supportingan important organization. 

Matt Pepper, President and CEO of Michigan Humane, sharedhis appreciation for the continued partnership and volunteer support fromIlitch Companies colleagues. “My favorite part of days like today areseeing the smiles on people's faces that they get a chance to go out and dosomething good. The reality is we are reliant on our volunteers. It means somuch to our team and to the pets that are in our care.”

The volunteer opportunity also gave colleagues the chance toexperience firsthand the important work Michigan Humane does every day to carefor animals throughout the community. 

“It’s nice to come out and help the community. To come outand be a part of the community as a whole, not just within the sports realm,helps a lot,” said Chloe Yorks, Operations Assistant for the DetroitTigers, who participated in the volunteer experienceand represented the many Ilitch colleagues who came together tosupport Michigan Humane. “The most fun aspect of today is just beingtogether here as a group. We’re all coming together to help out a communitygroup and each other in certain ways. I think it’s really cool.”

The partnership between the Ilitch Companies Foundation andMichigan Humane has a long-standing history. Earlier this year, Michigan Humanehosted its annual Night of Outstanding Service at the FOX Theatre. During theevent, the Ilitch Companies Foundation presented the Ilitch CompaniesFoundation Corporate Volunteer Award, recognizing a company that exemplifiesoutstanding volunteer support for Michigan Humane. 

The award is named in honor of the Ilitch CompaniesFoundation’s long-standing dedication to Michigan Humane’s work and the sharedcommitment to making a positive difference in the community. 

Through volunteer opportunities like this, Ilitch Companiescolleagues continue to live out the organization’s commitment to giving backand creating meaningful impact across Detroit and beyond.

Family-Owned Pizza Brand Drives Momentum in Non-Traditional Formats, Expanding Access for Military Communities Nationwide

Little Caesars®, the third-largest pizza chain in the world, is building on its commitment to serving military communities with four new locations planned across U.S. Navy installations. The expansion follows the brand's first military base opening at Pearl Harbor in 2025 and marks another step in its continued non-traditional growth.

“Military communities are an important part of Little Caesars and our commitment to supporting those who serve,” said Sally Rampersad, Director of Non-Traditional and Development Services for Little Caesars. “Since 2006, the Little Caesars Veterans program has helped countless veterans pursue franchise ownership and build successful businesses with Little Caesars. At the same time, we’re also proud to work with experienced franchise operators who share our values and are proud to serve military members and their families through non-traditional locations, such as Naval Base San Diego. These locations allow us to bring the convenience and quality of Little Caesars to the communities where our military members live and work.”

The Naval Base San Diego expansion is being led by BAXIMUS founders Phil Thomas and Kris Wellmaker, experienced restaurant operators with a growing presence on military installations nationwide. After more than 15 years with Chick-fil-A, the partners launched BAXIMUS to bring high-quality dining options to military communities and now operate multiple concepts on bases across the country.

“Our goal has always been to bring quality restaurant experiences to military communities,” said Wellmaker. “Little Caesars stood out because of its reputation for quality, value, and convenience. We’re proud to partner with a family-owned brand that shares our commitment to serving these communities and providing service members and their families with a dining option they can count on.”

Alongside the new restaurant at Naval Base San Diego, BAXIMUS recently introduced a Little Caesars food truck to serve military events and installations where traditional dining options may be limited. The company also has additional Little Caesars development planned, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Beyond the San Diego expansion, Little Caesars will also open new locations at Naval Station Mayport in Florida, operated by franchisee Keyur Chauhan, who joined the system in 2022 and currently operates three restaurants in Georgia. In California, franchisee Tony Dao, who joined the brand in 2018, will further expand his presence with locations at the Navy Exchange at Port Hueneme and at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

These openings build on the broader Little Caesars non-traditional growth strategy, using strategic partnerships to reach guests where they live, work, and serve. From universities and sports venues to military installations, the brand continues expanding access to its value-driven offering nationwide.

Little Caesars is actively seeking qualified multi-unit franchise operators to support development efforts in target markets nationwide. As a privately owned brand, Little Caesars offers franchisees a proven business model, flexible real estate strategies, and scalable multi-unit growth. The brand's long-term approach gives franchisees the tools and support needed to develop alongside the system.

With more than 65 years of family-owned history, Little Caesars emphasizes quality, value, and convenience. Franchisees benefit from an integrated supply chain, innovative menu offerings, and flexible restaurant formats, including the new Elev8 design and modular POD units, allowing the brand to adapt to a variety of real estate options. Little Caesars also maintains a strong community focus through its Love Kitchen® program, which has served more than 4 million meals nationwide, and partnerships with local schools, sports teams, and nonprofits. Little Caesars also offers incentive programs for veterans and first responders. Interested candidates can learn more information at franchise.littlecaesars.com.